The ACT Skilled Migration Program is a significant contributor to the ACT’s economy and population growth. The aim of the Program is to attract and retain talented people, to build the workforce profile, strengthen and diversify the local economy. The ACT nomination program is aimed at applicants who can demonstrate economic contribution or benefit and/or a genuine commitment to be part of the ACT community as demonstrated by long term ACT residence.

The ACT offers nomination of a Skilled Nominated (permanent) subclass 190 visa and a Skilled Regional (provisional) subclass 491 visa.

These guidelines explain how to express interest in applying for ACT nomination by completing a score-based ‘Canberra Matrix’. The Matrix allocates points against demonstrated economic contribution or benefit, English proficiency, formal qualifications, length of ACT residence/study, investment activity and close family ties. All Matrix scores are then ranked with the highest-ranked candidates invited to apply for ACT nomination.

Canberra Skilled Migration / ACT Apply under visa 190

The highly skilled and qualified workers who commit to migrate to Canberra may apply their nomination under Australian Capital Territory for their permanent residency. If you are highly skilled with required expertise and experience which is in demand in Canberra you may be eligible for ACT nomination of a Skilled Nominated Visa 190.

As an overseas applicant, you must have an occupation in demand (or close ties to Canberra), meet all the eligibility criteria, and the minimum required score of 65 points in Australia Immigration Point Calculator. Also, you must demonstrate a genuine commitment to live in Canberra for at least two years from the date of your arrival to Canberra.

Additionally, if you are living in Canberra, and are working in a skilled occupation, or a PhD graduate, then also you may be eligible to apply for ACT nomination of a skilled Nominated Subclass 190 visa.

If you are nominated by the ACT, you are awarded five additional points towards your overall points score. If you fulfill the required 60 points score, you will automatically receive an invitation from Department of Home Affairs to apply for the Skilled Nominated subclass 190 visa

Canberra/ Act Apply under visa 491

The ACT (Australian Capital Territory) provides territory nomination under the skilled work regional Subclass 491 visa. Before you apply for ACT nomination, you are required to complete the SkillSelect of Department of Home Affairs (DHA) by meeting the point test requirements that is minimum 65 points.

To apply through Regional Subclass 491 visa, you must show an interest to apply for ACT nomination. By getting a score based Canberra Matrix which will be allotted as per the economic demand and genuine commitment of ACT community, eligible applicants can proceed further. Candidates with a highest ranked in 491 visa stream will be selected and invited to apply for the nomination of ACT. If you are successfully invited, you have to complete the application by submit an online fees in 14 days. Along with this, you must attach all the necessary documents that prove your eligibility

The ACT nomination for the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visa will start on or after 1st January 2020. Further, if you have not issued any invitation from Canberra, your matrix will automatically expire in 6 months. Once your Matrix has lapsed, it can’t be activated again.

Step by step process to apply for ACT nomination

STEP 1.  Submit an expression of interest –Before completing the Canberra Matrix, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to migrate to Australia through the Department of Home Affairs Skill Select. You must have:

• Have a suitable skill assessment in your nominated occupation and meet the Home Affairs points test (currently 65 points).
• Select the ACT as your preferred location to live in Australia. If the ACT is not selected, you will not meet the genuine commitment criteria for ACT nomination.

If you are invited to apply for ACT nomination and your application is approved, your Home Affairs Skill Select EOI will be confirmed and Home Affairs will automatically issue the visa invitation.

STEP 2. Choose an ACT nomination pathway (491 or 190) –The ACT offers Territory nomination under the following State / Territory nominated skilled migration streams:

• Skilled Regional (provisional) subclass 491 visa.
• Skilled Nominated (permanent) subclass 190 visa.

You must meet the eligibility criteria for ACT 491 nomination or ACT 190 nomination before you can complete the Canberra Matrix:

STEP 3. How to complete the Canberra Matrix –To complete the Canberra Matrix:

• Read the nomination guidelines carefully and make sure you are eligible to complete the Matrix and claim Matrix points.
• Enter your personal information.
• Select either ACT 491 nomination or ACT 190 nomination.
• Select Canberra resident or overseas applicant.
• Select a Matrix score in each category.

Remember, your supporting documentation must evidence your eligibility for ACT nomination and all claims for Matrix points at the date you submit the Matrix.

The Matrix will automatically expire six months after date of submission if an invitation is not issued. Once a Matrix has lapsed, it cannot be reactivated.

STEP 4. Ranking, selection and invitation to apply for ACT nomination – Canberra Matrix – Ranking, selection and invitation

The Canberra Matrix score will be ranked separately for ACT 491 and 190 nominations. Separate invitation rounds will be held for the 491 and 190 nomination streams. The highest ranked candidates in each stream will be invited to apply for ACT nomination.

Invitations are generally issued on a monthly basis; pro rata against the ACT allocation of nomination places set by Home Affairs. The number of invitations issued will vary in each round. The cut off for selection will depend on the number and quality of Matrix submitted. It may also vary according to ACT Government priorities and current program settings.

If there are more candidates with the same Matrix score than the number of invitation places available, selection may be based on the date and time of the Matrix submission.

Invitations may not be issued when the number of invitations issued in the financial year exceeds demand. The ACT Government may cap the occupations nominated at any time.

Candidates may also be selected and invited if their nomination is deemed to be of significant benefit to the Territory.

Canberra Latest Invitation Round Results

The Updated ACT State Nomination Occupation List 1st Jan 2020